My Favorite Food Photography Props ~ Barley & Sage

Shop all of my favorite dishes and props that I use for food photography! Plus my tips for what to look for when you're shopping for props!

Please note that this page does contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive commissions for purchases made through these links (at no cost to you). However, please know that I only provide links to products that I wholeheartedly recommend and actually use (the vast majority of these props are ones I actually own, a few are on my wish list, and a few are very similar to items I own because the original is no longer available)!

shot of all my favorite food photography props

How to Source Food Photography Props

I get questions all the time (seriously, all the time) about where I find my photography props. The short answer is everywhere! My prop collection is my pride and joy and I've definitely spent wayyy too much money on my collection, but I've linked a few of my favorites (and ones I want to buy) down below!

The very best places to find props are at local antique shops, thrift stores (Goodwill is very hit or miss for me), estate sales, etc. These are the places that you'll find those truly unique 'wow factor' pieces! But there are a few important things to keep in mind when searching for props. Just because it's pretty, doesn't mean it will look good on camera.

What to look for:

Matte -- Anything shinny tends to look terrible on camera. So not only do you want matte or tarnished flatware, you also want plates that have a matte finish as opposed to a glossy one.
Unique -- Antique or rustic props are great for adding character to your images. They also typically fall into several of these other categories (matte, textured).
Neutral colors -- If a lot of bright color is your brand, go for it. But generally you want to choose props that are very neutral so that you can use them over and over again! Neutrals are also great for making sure the food remains the star!
Textured -- Props with lots of texture look great on camera! Think rough wood, handmade ceramics, tarnished flatware, handwoven fabrics.
Small -- Instead of dinner plates, get salad plates and dessert plates. Smaller props will make your food look larger and more abundant. Also, depending on the camera/lens you're using you won't be able to fit a ton of big props in your scene.

Etsy!

Etsy is hands down my favorite place to find unique props! A lot of antique stores have started listing their products on Etsy to reach a larger market! Many of the props that people ask me about regularly are Etsy props, so I don't have links to actual products. But these are some of my favorite shops where I find fun stuff!

From flatware, to antique baking dishes, to old school kitchen scales, you can find it all on Etsy!

My Favorite Commercially Available Photography Props

I try to buy fun unique props as much as possible, but there are also some great commercially available options at reasonable price points that I use all the time! Some of my favorite places to shop are:

Target (especially the Hearth & Hand with Magnolia line!!)
Crate & Barrel
West Elm
TJ Maxx/HomeGoods (also great for semi-unique finds for super cheap!)
World Market
Anthropologie (cute stuff but usually expensive)
Pottery Barn
etuHome (very expensive but gorgeous)
RV Pottery (obsessed with her ceramics! be sure to follow her on Instagram because she does great flash sales in her stories!)
Fodory (such beautiful vintage options!)

Plates & Bowls

I've linked some of my favorite plates and bowls below! I also find a bunch at TJ Maxx and from local ceramicists!

Pinch Bowls, Mixing Bowls & Measuring Cups

I think I have almost 20 different sets of pinch bowls. Easily the most addicting prop category in my opinion.

Serving Dishes

Since it's better to choose small props for individual dishes, I usually only use large serving dishes when I'm doing a full tablescape. But cake stands and cheeseboards are always a must!

Glasses & Mugs

For glasses, you either want something thin and delicate or something more unique that will cast beautiful shadows.

Flatware, Knives, & Cooking Utensils

I get most of my antique flatware on Etsy or from local antique shops. But there are some other classic pieces that I've linked below!

Linens

My favorite places to get linens are Crate & Barrel, Target, and TJ Maxx!

Miscellaneous Props

As I said above, I have so many fun food photography props that I've found on Etsy! It's my go-to place for one-of-a-kind props! But these are a few easily available favorites!

Amazon Props

Most of my props don't come from Amazon, but I have found a few good things that I've linked below! You can also check out my Amazon Storefront for more of my finds!

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